The nurse is administering sodium polystyrene sulfonate to a client with acute kidney injury (AKI). Which laboratory finding indicates that the medication has been effective?
Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L)
Hemoglobin level of 13.5 g/dL (135 g/L).
Serum glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L)
Serum ammonia level of 30 Mcg/dL (17.62 Mermol/L)
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a medication used to treat high levels of potassium in the blood, a condition known as hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is a common complication of acute kidney injury (AKI). The medication works by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestine, which are then excreted from the body. Therefore, a decrease in serum potassium levels to within the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) would indicate that the medication has been effective.
Choice B rationale
Hemoglobin levels are not directly affected by sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. While it’s an important indicator of overall health, changes in hemoglobin levels would not indicate whether treatment for hyperkalemia is working.
Choice C rationale
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate does not directly affect glucose levels. While it’s important to monitor glucose levels in patients with kidney disease, changes in glucose would not indicate whether treatment for hyperkalemia is working.
Choice D rationale
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate does not directly affect ammonia levels. While elevated ammonia levels can occur in certain conditions, such as liver disease, changes in ammonia levels would not indicate whether treatment for hyperkalemia is working.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Diarrhea is a potential side effect of metoclopramide, but it’s not typically considered a serious adverse effect that would require immediate reporting.
Choice B rationale
Unusual irritability can occur with metoclopramide use, but it’s not typically considered a serious adverse effect that would require immediate reporting.
Choice C rationale
Nausea is actually one of the conditions that metoclopramide is used to treat, so it would be unusual for it to cause this symptom.
Choice D rationale
Involuntary movements, or tardive dyskinesia, is a serious potential side effect of metoclopramide. If a patient develops this condition, it should be reported immediately.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Filgrastim is a medication used to stimulate the growth of white blood cells, making patients less vulnerable to infections. If the patient’s white blood cell count has increased from 2,500/mm^3 to 5,000/mm^3 after administering five doses of filgrastim, it indicates that the medication has been effective.
Choice B rationale
Reviewing the patient’s culture and sensitivity reports is not directly related to the effect of filgrastim on white blood cell count.
Choice C rationale
Neutropenic precautions are typically implemented when a patient has a low white blood cell count. Since the patient’s white blood cell count has increased, implementing neutropenic precautions may not be necessary.
Choice D rationale
While it’s always important to monitor a patient’s vital signs, there’s no specific reason to do so just because the patient’s white blood cell count has increased after administering filgrastim.
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